(WASHINGTON) Congressman Richard E. Neal was honored today with the "Friend of the National Parks Award" from the nonpartisan National Park Conservation Association (NPCA) for his contribution to protecting and enhancing America's national parks. The award was presented to 157 Members of Congress for their support of legislation that upheld the standards and integrity of the National Park System. Neal has been a consistent recipient of this prestigious honor for more than a decade.

"I have always been a champion of the 400 National Parks here in the United States. Millions of Americans visit these natural and historic treasures each year. We have an obligation to preserve and protect them for future generations to enjoy. I am proud to receive this prestigious honor again from the National Park Conservation Association," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

NPCA'S "Friend of the National Park Award" was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members' votes on significant park issues. This year, NPCA compiled votes for seven national park-related bills in the House. To receive the award, representatives had to support a majority of the environmental related initiatives. Recipients of the award received a framed reproduction of an art-deco color poster of Sequoia National Park in the style of those produced in the 1930's for the National Park Service by the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration.

"We are grateful that our Members of Congress have demonstrated a solid commitment to preserving America's national parks," said NPCA Acting President Theresa Pierno. "As the National Park Service approaches its centennial in 2016, support for our friends in Congress is essential to ensure places like Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and the Everglades are preserved and protected for our children and grandchildren to enjoy,"

Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Park Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its 800,000 members and supporters, and many partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our natural, historical, and cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren. For more information, visit: www.npca.org.